Corus claims once Shaw was gobbled up by Rogers that its obligations to produce Canadian shows and programs of national interest have placed a burden on its finances and asked for immediate financial relief or else.

It sounds like something all station owners in this country are constantly trying to do, but in this case, the CRTC has actually granted the request given the circumstances.

"This is an important issue for the Commission to consider, as losing the contributions made by Corus to the system would greatly reduce the options Canadian viewers have for content. Corus is a vital source of local news and local expression through the Global Television Network, and is also the largest provider of independent programming in Canada. The loss of Corus’ contributions would significantly impact the Canadian broadcasting system, which would affect audiences and creators."

It almost sounds from that description that Corus is hinting it could go broke if the regs. aren't adjusted to accommodate it. As a result, the CRTC has maintained the quota on CanCon, but will allow the network to reduce its "PNI" (or Programs of National Interest) from the current 8.5% to just 5%.

They certainly made things sound extremely dire. 

"Corus explained that its operating environment had changed since its original application was submitted in November 2022. In this regard, it stated that factors including strike actions in the film and television industry in the U.S., the ongoing elevated consumer price index inflation, declining profitability, and the loss of annual local expression funds directed to Corus-owned Global television stations by Shaw following the closing of RCI’s acquisition of Shaw had meaningfully and negatively impacted its financial situation."

It's a bit convoluted, but I think it means they'll be expected to produce cheaper local Canadian content, but maybe not material that will be of interest nationwide. The ruling includes its broadcast and cable channels. Perhaps someone can read the release and see if I'm interpreting this properly.  

Meanwhile, the CRTC has also acknowledged requests from the likes of Rogers and Bell (big surprise!) and Quebecor for similar relief, with Bell accusing the regulator of ignoring the current financial state of broadcasting and Rogers calling it an "unsustainable financial burden." Bell has already severely cut back its news in many markets, arguing the Commission isn't acting fast enough to address its "dire" burdens.

The Commission intends to deal with those asks in a future hearing, but you can be sure the reduction in Corus' obligations will be cited endlessly as a reason for them to be given the same considerations. 

Needless to say, organizations like the Writers and Directors' Guilds of Canada have objected strongly to the decision.  

It's a fascinating release, it you can get past all the jargon. 

CRTC Corus Decision